LOW COST BEIJING

Conde Nast's subtitle is 'Truth in Travel' - and this motto is more than just words. Conde Nast journalists travel unannounced, and pay their own way into the hotels, restaurants, pubs and clubs they review. A positive write-up in Conde Nast is worth more than gold to tourism establishments across the world! And with readers interested in Chanel, Mercedes, Dolce and Gabbana and Bvlgari, there are some fairly high expectations to live up to. Making their way out of a wasteland of poorly-served, sub-standard establishments are a new breed of boutique Beijing hotels, restaurants and cocktail bars in Beijing. We have a look at those that made it to the pinnacle of Conde Nast's opinion for 2009, in Beijing.

The neon windows that ensure you'll never lose your way home may be one of the most important features of Beijing's Hotel G for Conde Nast writers, but the features of the hotel certainly don't end there! The windows are only the beginning of a decadent, artistic theme throughout the entire hotel, with artworks by locals at the nearby 798 Dashanzi Art District adorning many rooms. Hotel G's 'Great Room' is recommended by Conde Nast in the 2009 Hot List. The Beijing boutique hotel's furnishing is luxurious, in spaces starting from 55 square meters for Great Rooms. Breakfast is complimentary, as is broadband and Wifi, tea and coffee, minibar drinks, and newspapers and magazines in-room. Hotel G's rooms also feature iPod docking stations, a pillow menu, and a Nintendo Wii upon request!

Dining is also part of Conde Nast's review, and while 25 Degrees, Hotel G's restaurant that drew such attention for its American style burgers and funky atmosphere, may have gone, the same effort and thought has been put into Scarlett Bar and Morio, the two remaining restaurants on site at the Beijing bed and breakfast. Hotel G's restaurants are now in the company of Conde Nast recommended restaurants in Beijing like Alameda, Garden of Delights and Green T. House.

The Park Hyatt hotel in Beijing also made it onto the Conde Nast Hot List for 2009, and while it may be decidedly further to the 'extravagant' end of the price scale than Hotel G's affordable funk and personality; it certainly has some awesome features. The lobby is on the 63rd floor, with amazing city views, and the hotel features 8 traditional Chinese medicine treatment rooms as well as two 24 hour fitness centers.

Aman at Summer Palace in Beijing hotel has the dubious distinction of being the most expensive standard service hotel in the city. However, the honor of making it to the Conde Nast Hot List certainly offsets that! Here, it is the ground space you are paying for - the Aman comprises 51 guest rooms, a Pilates and yoga studio and an indoor lap pool within 7-acre grounds. These Beijing hotel rooms have a gorgeous Chinese historic feel, with polished Jin clay tile floors, closets made from Chinese wedding chests and stacked bamboo cases for room service orders.

Hotel G Beijing is the first of an exclusive beijing boutique hotel brand launched by Hong Kong-based real estate private equity management firm Gaw Capital-and a model to be rolled out in selected cities of Asia.

Article Source: Beijing Bed and Breakfasts Hitting the Conde Nast Traveler Hot List 2009